Lae holds the ‘second-largest city’ title in PNG, another being the ‘industrial capital’.
Rainfall is rife throughout the year, giving Lae a green backdrop of lush abundance. Unitech, Lae’s premier technical university, symbolizes Lae’s focal business and agricultural points.
Although not offering the wider and more diverse range of domestic services known in the Nation’s Capital, Lae makes up for it with sombre historical sites that reflect their turbulent past and rich scenery and wildlife.
The following places are definitely worth seeking out, should you be facing a transit delay of 4 hours or more.
For those of you seeking out a tour guide, PNG Pacific Tours is conveniently based in Morobe Province, Lae.
Lae Botanical Gardens
Lae Botanical Gardens boasts breathtaking, towering trees populated with epiphytes and climbers, and a plush array of orchids. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll and a colourful variety of butterflies, birds and plants.
Lae War Cemetery
Managed and well-maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the Lae War Cemetery, adjacent to the Botanical Gardens, is a solemn and beautifully reflective environment for over 2, 800 departed Australian and New Zealand soldiers.
Rainforest Habitat
The Rainforest Habitat is a similar, lush-green oasis containing up to 15, 000 species of plants, both native and exotic, the gorgeous Raggiana Bird of Paradise, saltwater crocodiles and an assortment of reptilian life.
Under an overhead shade is a total of 3, 000 square metres of rainforest with walkways and a mini zoo outside containing tree kangaroos and cassowary.
Melanesian Arts Centre
The Melanesian Arts Centre has it on point. Established in 1969, it has been dealing as a trader and supplier of traditional PNG artefacts worldwide, notably artefacts from the Sepik River, Lower Ramu River and the Trobriand Islands.
A sure destination for those seeking something awesome to bring home, from basketry to instruments to ornaments to masks, the place is packed and open for shipping arrangements and reasonable pricing.
Just be sure you’re familiar with your home country’s quarantine restrictions.
Crossroads Transit Hotel
The Crossroads Transit Hotel is a pick that will resound to those who may unfortunately have missed a flight or been delayed overnight.
With modern and well-kempt rooms, Wi-Fi service, a bar and a great restaurant, the hotel is sure to give you some relaxing time to kill in a safe environment.
Safety Reminder:
Keep in mind that security in Lae is not guaranteed. You are advised strongly to be adequately accompanied (especially if you are female) and to carry minimal belongings so as not to draw attention to yourselves from the likes of opportunists.
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